- May 8, 2024
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The University of North Florida has opened up applications for the 2024 MedNexus Innovation Challenge.
The UNF MedNexus challenge is a team-based competition for regional high school students. The theme of the 2024 challenge is addressing social media addiction in teenagers, a Palm Coast press release said.
Social media use is prevalent among high school students, with 84% of teens using social media and 62% using it every day, the press release said. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association notes that social media creates a stimulating effect similar to addiction.
The challenge is open to all Flagler, St. Johns, Volusia, and surrounding county high school students, in teams of up to four students. First and second-place winners will be chosen by a panel of judges, the press release said.
Applications are open from Jan. 26 to Feb. 9 and the participating teams will be announced by Feb. 19. The pitch competition will be held on April 11, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Palm Coast Community Center.
More information on the MedNexus Innovation Challenge and the application can be found at https://www.unf.edu/UNFmednexus/innovation-challenge.html
The first-place team will win a $1,000 scholarship for each team member and the second-place team will receive $750 for each team member, the press release said.
“We’re excited that this incredible opportunity for local high school students is returning for the third year in a row,” Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin said. “The importance of the MedNexus concept centers on providing education and career opportunities right here in our city.”
The MedNexus Innovation Challenge encourages participating students to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while receiving personalized coaching from their team’s assigned UNF faculty member, the press release said.
